Berangberang, Alyssa A.

BSA-1

I am a Paulinian. Forever a Paulinian

Developing an identity is one of the numerous challenges that humans face. An identity that
makes us distinct from others. While some people have a strong sense of self, others believe they are
unaware of their true identities. It is easy to lose track of who we are when we are unsure about ourselves.
We can continually try out new concepts or identities to assess how well they function. This can also
affect how we interact with people and circumstances, as we strive to conform to what the other persona
expects to hear or see. What role does identity have in your life? Knowing our identity is significant since
it helps us develop our character. It strengthens us since we are aware, and we are certain of our position.
It also keeps us unique and shows how we define ourselves.

In the best-case scenario, as I approach maturity, I can claim that I have an identity with which I
live and act.  It is not like any other identity. It is an identity marked by a Christocentric Paschal
spirituality, a commitment to mission, community service through one's charism, and charity for God and
others. The Paulinian identity.

All of this started with a 30-year-old priest namely Father Louis Chauvet, who was driven and
filled with zeal for his people. He became a lot to his parishioners. He helped the needy, the aged, and the
abandoned ones. He is not simply a priest because he is also a counselor, a shepherd, a scholar, a
musician, and a teacher. A person cannot do so many things at once, but Father Louis Chauvet had a
vision that continuously pushed him to do all those things. Due to his vision, young girls became inspired
to do the same thing. The first three sisters namely Marie Micheau, Barbe Foucauld, and Marie Anne de
Tilly assisted in the formation and became co-founders. After them, many followed. All of them are
driven by the love of God. They helped the children. They taught them how to read and write, taught
practical arts and crafts, and later on opened a school. With the Virgin Mary as their model and St. Paul,
Apostle as their patron, the Sisters moved beyond Levesville-la-Chenard to the whole diocese and later
on, to the whole France, living the ideals of regularity, simplicity, and work. After reaching out to a lot of
people, the French revolution happened. The Sisters dispersed as the French revolution ordered the
suppression of all religious congregations. After ten years, in the year 1802, the government requested the
reconstitution of the Sisters of St. Paul as they greatly appreciated the Sisters’ charity and compassion.
From then on, the Sisters were able to continue their mission. They have reached many people not just in
France but way beyond it. They have reached Asia as Monsignor Augustin Forcade, who was assigned as
Apostolic Vicar of Japan and Apostolic Prefect of Hongkong requested the Sisters of St. Paul to help him.
The Sisters spread across Hongkong, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Laos, and eventually, the
Philippines.

The Sister of Saint Paul of Chartres has a long and illustrious history of love. Many women made
the decision to trust Christ with everything. They have dedicated their life to serving their sisters and
brothers, as per His command. These kind women are Christ-centered and strive to imitate God in
everything they do. They are dedicated to philanthropy and committed to their cause. Their lives are built
on prayer, fraternal life, and apostolic ministry. The Sisters carry out their responsibilities as though they
wish to be everything to everyone in order for everyone to know Jesus Christ.

Reading the history of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres paved the way for me to realize how I
should be grateful and proud of the identity that I have acquired. The Paulinian identity. It is not just any
other identity, not just a label for students who went and studied at St. Paul University. It is an identity
that has a rich history. The Sisters have been through a lot. They were not prosperous, but that did not
stop them from helping the poor. Due to war, they dispersed but, that did not stop them as they
reconstituted and even got a wider reach. This is all because of the love of God. The change was sparked
by the sisters of St. Paul of Chartres. A Christ-centered body- who zealously serves its people and
encourages love and compassion, as Christ instructed us to do. Their purpose does not stop at exposing
Jesus Christ to the people; it also includes reaching out to them, teaching them, and providing care, love,
and compassion to those in need.

People are unique from each other. Paulinians are unique from each other. Despite the difference
between the Paulinians, they shared common values, and this all began with the Sister of St. Paul of
Chartres. Paulinians are followers of Jesus Christ. Everything they do is in reference to Him, and their
ultimate purpose is for Jesus to get the glory. They have a life purpose. It is to spread the word of God
and make the world a better place. The Paulinians are responsible family members and citizens who care
about community development, people advancement, justice and peace, and environmental protection.
The Paulinians cultivate their gifts and abilities in order to put them to good use in the community. They
try to grow and improve on a daily basis, constantly looking for greater and finer things, as well as the
ultimate good. Lastly, the Paulinians are welcoming, simple-loving, and hospitable to everybody,
especially the poor. With all of this, Paulinians should be grateful, especially to the Sisters of St. Paul of
Chartres as they continuously perform their mission for centuries. This gave us our identity which is the
Paulinian identity. Whatever we do is a reflection of how rich is the history of the formation of Sisters of
St. Paul of Chartres and St. Paul Schools across globe.

As of the current situation, I am continuously learning a lot from the institution that I am in. It is
helping me grow in a Paulinian way, not just as a human being but as one of Jesus’ disciples. That is
something that I am proud of. I am a proud Paulinian. In the future, once I will leave the University, I
know that the Paulinian in me will still stay because once a Paulinian, will always be a Paulinian. Once
the love of Christ impels us in life, it forever will.